MINUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT FEBRUARY 8, 2021
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on February 8th. This meeting was advertised in the February 6th edition of the Norfolk Daily News. President Jeremy Pochop called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. Members present were Tammy Bierman, Toby Thompson, Brent Bode, Paul Kuchar, and Sean Lindgren. Also present were Superintendent Jake Luhr and Principal Jeff Heimes, Jay Speerman, Billy O’Brien, and a visitor. The open meeting law was discussed and posted and will be followed at every Board meeting. To start the Board meeting, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, which included the February general fund bills which totaled $111,147.89. Sean Lindgren seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Billy O’Brien gave a presentation to the Board on what has been going on during the first year of FFA.
Jay Speerman presented to the Board a Refunding Analysis of Series 2016 Bonds and discussed the opportunity to save a projected $195,953.00 without adding any more years to the debt payment schedule.
Mr. Luhr advised the Board that the current NSAA guidelines keeps us at 50% capacity in our gym which is about 800 people but will change to 75% capacity on February 12th. 75% capacity is 1,200 people in our gym. Masks are still required for all spectators.
Mr. Luhr advised the Board that he met with Larry Wright, Jr., Chairman of the Ponca Tribe on Monday, January 18th regarding the school mascot, and to get his opinion on the topic.
Mr. Luhr updated the Board on the legislative bill summary from the NCSA.
Mr. Luhr advised the Board that the grease pit is now currently working. When the weather warms up, more work will be done to it to ensure it is functioning properly and accessible in the future. He also advised that the walk-in freezer concrete pad had been poured and electricity has been put in. Once all the parts are in, it will be installed.
The Board reviewed and discussed Policy 8110 – Purpose and Role of the Board, Policy 8120 – Duties and Functions of the Board of Education, Policy 8272 – Code of Ethics, and Policy 8300 – Methods of Operation.
After discussion, Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the 2021-22 Master Calendar as presented by Mr. Luhr. Sean Lindgren seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Brent Bode made a motion to approve the Uniform Savings Solution on the Bond debt, which will save the district an approximate $195,953. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Mr. Luhr presented to the Board an array of classified pay from neighboring school districts. Tammy Bierman made a motion to increase classified staff pay $0.75 per hour for the 2021-22 school year. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes. Toby Thompson abstained.
Mr. Luhr advised the Board that he is checking into some school fleet replacements and the costs.
The cost for vehicles is high at this time and Mr. Luhr will keep checking on this in the months to come to see if the prices come down.
Mr. Luhr advised the Board that the copier lease with Eakes Office ends in July of this year. He is going to research companies that offer printer/copier leasing and will advise the Board at a later Board meeting of his research.
Mr. Luhr advised the Board that the track needs track repair/replacement, and that he has been in contact with a couple of companies that will come to do an onsite evaluation in the spring.
Mr. Luhr advised the Board that the Nebraska State Patrol has submitted a request to use our wrestling room for tactical training on March 17, 2021.
Sean Lindgren made a motion to accept the resignation of Seth Montag, Business teacher, effective at the end of this school year. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Tammy Bierman made a motion to approve the option request of Ben Weinandt, 12th grader, for the 2020-21 school year. Ben attended Battle Creek Public Schools prior to his move out of the district. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Tammy Bierman made a motion to approve the option request of Landon Weinandt, 9th grader, for the 2020-21 school year. Landon attended Battle Creek Public Schools prior to his move out of the district. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Tammy Bierman made a motion to approve the option request of Zachary Weinandt, 4th grader, for the 2020-21 school year. Zachary attended Battle Creek Public Schools prior to his move out of the district. Paul Kuchar seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Paul Kuchar made a motion to approve the option request of Kinsley Nelson, kindergartner, for the 2021-22 school year. This request was based on available room in the class at this time. Brent Bode seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Paul Kuchar made a motion to approve the option request of Myles Preister, kindergartner, for the 2021-22 school year. This request was based on available room in the class at this time. Toby Thompson seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with six ayes.
Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the option request of Bentley Kuchar, 2nd grader, for the 2021-22 school year. This request was based on available room in the class at this time. Tammy Bierman seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes. Paul Kuchar abstained.
Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the option request of Keaton Kuchar, 5th grader, for the 2021-22 school year. This request was based on available room in the class at this time. Sean Lindgren seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes. Paul Kuchar abstained.
Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the option request of Taylor Ahlman, 6th grader, for the 2021-22 school year. This request was based on available room in the class at this time. Sean Lindgren seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes. Paul Kuchar abstained.
Toby Thompson made a motion to approve the option request of Ashton Kuchar, 7th grader, for the 2021-22 school year. This request was based on available room in the class at this time. Sean Lindgren seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried with five ayes. Paul Kuchar abstained.
Comments were heard from the Board, Principals, and Superintendent.
With no further business, Board President Jeremy Pochop adjourned the meeting at 8:08 P.M.
Submitted by,
Jake Luhr, Secretary Board of Education